Hamas Agrees to New Gaza Ceasefire Proposal: A Step Toward Peace or a Temporary Pause?

By Boncopia News Team | August 18, 2025 | Global News

In a significant development in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Hamas announced on August 18, 2025, that it has accepted a new ceasefire proposal put forward by mediators from Qatar and Egypt. This move comes as diplomatic efforts intensify to avert a major Israeli military operation in Gaza City, which could exacerbate the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region. The announcement has sparked cautious optimism, but with Israel yet to respond formally, the path to peace remains uncertain. Here’s a breakdown of the situation, its implications, and what it means for the people of Gaza and the broader Middle East.

A New Ceasefire Proposal: What We Know

According to multiple sources, including CNN and The New Arab, Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire framework proposed by Qatar and Egypt, aimed at halting the 22-month-long conflict that has claimed over 62,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The proposal, presented on Sunday, August 17, 2025, is based on a framework initially advanced by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in May. It includes a 60-day truce, a phased release of hostages, and a surge of humanitarian aid to address Gaza’s critical needs.

The plan reportedly calls for the release of 10 living Israeli hostages and 18 deceased hostages in exchange for 140 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 60 others serving sentences of over 15 years. Israel would also release all Palestinian minors and female prisoners. During the ceasefire, Israeli forces would redeploy to positions outlined in the Witkoff proposal, allowing for increased humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza.

Hamas’s acceptance of the proposal without amendments signals a shift from its previous demands for a permanent end to the war. A senior Hamas official, Basem Naim, expressed hope that the agreement could “extinguish the fires of this war on our people.” Meanwhile, mediators are pushing for swift negotiations to finalize the deal and prevent further escalation.

The Context: A Humanitarian Crisis and Escalating Tensions

The ceasefire proposal comes at a critical juncture. Israel’s security cabinet recently approved plans to expand military operations in Gaza City, a move that could displace tens of thousands of Palestinians and worsen the humanitarian crisis. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that 1,965 people have been killed while seeking aid since May, with malnutrition-related deaths rising, including 112 children and 151 adults since June. Amnesty International has accused Israel of a “deliberate campaign of starvation,” a claim Israel denies, asserting it allows sufficient aid into Gaza.

The war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed 1,219 people and led to the abduction of 251 hostages, has left Gaza in ruins. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has displaced nearly 90% of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents and caused widespread destruction. Of the 49 hostages still held in Gaza, Israel believes at least 27 are dead. The urgency to secure their release has fueled domestic protests in Israel, with hundreds of thousands rallying on August 17, 2025, to demand a deal.

Mediation Efforts: Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S.

Qatar and Egypt, with U.S. support, have been pivotal in brokering ceasefire talks. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani arrived in Cairo on August 18, 2025, to discuss the proposal, joined by Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that conditions in Gaza are “beyond imagination.”

The mediators’ proposal closely mirrors the Witkoff framework, preserving 98% of its terms, which Israel had previously accepted. However, sticking points remain, including Israel’s demand for Hamas’s disarmament and security control over Gaza, and Hamas’s call for a full Israeli withdrawal and a permanent ceasefire.

Israel’s Response and Political Dynamics

Israel has not yet formally responded to the new proposal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under pressure from both domestic protests and his far-right coalition allies, has insisted on a comprehensive deal that includes the release of all hostages, Hamas’s disarmament, and Israeli control over Gaza’s security. On August 18, 2025, Netanyahu noted that Hamas’s acceptance shows it is “under massive pressure,” but he reiterated Israel’s maximalist conditions.

Far-right Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warned against accepting a partial deal, while opposition leader Benny Gantz urged Netanyahu to act decisively to secure the hostages’ release. U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement on Truth Social, advocating for Hamas’s destruction, has complicated the diplomatic landscape, signaling a hardening U.S. stance.

What’s at Stake?

The stakes could not be higher. A successful ceasefire could provide immediate relief to Gaza’s population, facilitate hostage releases, and pave the way for long-term negotiations. However, failure to reach an agreement risks a full-scale Israeli assault on Gaza City, potentially leading to thousands more deaths and further displacement. The humanitarian crisis, already marked by famine warnings and aid distribution challenges, could spiral out of control.

Why This Matters Globally

The Israel-Hamas conflict has far-reaching implications, influencing regional stability, U.S. foreign policy, and international humanitarian efforts. The involvement of Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. underscores the global interest in resolving the crisis. For readers worldwide, this development highlights the complexities of mediating peace in a region fraught with historical and political tensions. It also raises questions about the balance between military objectives and humanitarian imperatives.

Looking Ahead

As mediators await Israel’s response, the world watches closely. Will this proposal mark a turning point, or is it merely a temporary pause in a protracted conflict? The coming days will be critical as diplomatic efforts intensify to bridge the gap between Hamas’s concessions and Israel’s demands.

Thought-Provoking Questions:

1. Can a 60-day truce lead to a lasting peace, or is it just a delay in the inevitable escalation?

2. How should mediators balance the demands of Israel and Hamas to ensure a fair and sustainable agreement?

3. What role should the international community play in addressing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis?

Sources: CNN, The New Arab, NBC News, Firstpost, AFP